Helen Anne Taylor

A much beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, colleague, friend and neighbour. Anne passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care ward of the F.J. Davey Home on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Anne was born in Sault Ste. Marie and raised in the family home on Tancred St. with her parents, the late Helen Mary (Carufel) and Dr. William Harry Leahy, her dear Aunt Phyllis, her five brothers - the late Harry, Jack, Bill, Ted and Paul and her two sisters - the late Lenna, and Jean of the Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph, who survives her. Beloved sister-in-law of the late, Helen (Charlie), Bill (Marie), Ed (Naomi), Alan (Vi), Maurice (Paddy), Lorne and Don. Survived by sister-in-laws Vi and Paddy.

Anne and Jean were ‘children of the movies,’ together in the audience for countless films at the Princess Theatre on Gore St., built by their grandfather, George Carufel. Anne always maintained her love of classic-era Hollywood films and music of all genres as well as knitting, sewing, rug-hooking, baking and volunteering in service to others.

Anne attended the Sacred Heart and Collegiate schools in the Soo and went on to pursue studies at St. Michael’s Hospital School of Nursing in Toronto. Upon graduation, she travelled with friends and practiced nursing at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor and then to Long Beach Hospital in California. She returned later to Sault Ste Marie, reconnecting with her high school sweetheart, Joseph Norman Taylor. Their love for each other and alignment of values was undeniable, and they were soon married and started their family. Daughters Jane (Bill), Laura Sweet (Brad), Jennifer Hendrie (Paul) and sons Alfred (Mary), Edward (Effie), Michael (Sarah) and Davey (Jennifer) were born in quick succession and nurtured and schooled on Hugill St.

Anne returned to the Nursing profession after raising her children and retired from her career at Sault General Hospital, where she was born and where her own father had practiced Medicine for many years. It was there she met a colleague, Kay Roos, who would become her best friend, confidant and confederate for many decades.

One of her greatest joys in life was being a grandmother to - Lauren, Joseph, Ethan, Quinn, Andy, Tristan, Caroline, Lia, Sophie, Riley, Finn, Molly, Angus, Colin (Miranda), Bradley, Sadie, Emma, Hannah, and Maggie - and great-grandmother to Rhys and Gwenevere. “Grannie Annie” created a special bond with each of them. Anne’s beautiful and kind nature lives on in all of these individuals mentioned, and in countless others whom she met and befriended throughout her long and generous life. Her marriage of nearly 64 years to Norman endures within him and in the family, friends and professional caregivers who lovingly look after him now.

Her unique senses of humour and perspective impressed everyone who ever met her. Her kindness and thoughtfulness will continue to inspire many friends and family to live creatively, in harmony with others, and at peace with oneself. She faced her recent health challenges with incredible strength, openness and without complaint. Ever.

The family would like to extend thanks to the staffs of professionals and volunteers at Great Northern Retirement Home, Sault Area Hospital, the F.J. Davey Home and to Valerie of the Alzheimer Society who provided attention and care to her these recent months and years.

The family asks that any donations made in Anne’s memory be directed (payable online or by cheque) to the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District or The Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre.

A Funeral Mass will be held in her memory at St. Jerome’s Church (26 Carmel Rd.) at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 30, 2026, followed by a lunch reception at 12:00 pm in the Parish Hall. At her request, there is no visitation.

Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Taylor family.